Pittsburgh, "The City of Bridges," is most well known for the many stunning bridges which populate the city, more than 446 in fact. There are numerous avenues to take in the beautiful cityscape.
The city is also known for its' pro sports teams, steel industry, and incline railways. The beautiful geography which includes 3 rivers lead to some pretty landscapes. The Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio River meet at iconic Point State Park, now the central location for events and recreation downtown.
Take a ride on one of the last remaining railway inclines in the country. Not only is the 400 foot ride up to Mt. Washington fun and affordable, the views at the top are amongst the best in the city.
Bicycle Heaven claims the title of the world's largest bicycle museum and shop. If you love vintage bikes, or are a fan of quirky attractions, then you will love exploring the collection here. Highlights include a Bowden Spacelander - only 30 were made and several movies icons including Pee Wee's famous bike.
History buffs and dinosaur lovers will want to make room for a visit to The Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The museum is home to dozens of real fossils and skeletons, not replicas. Most notably, skeletons of Diplodocus carnegii, and Tyrannosaurus rex are holotypes - original specimens upon which their species are based.
Also pretty cool is the Hillman Hall of Mineral featuring more than 1300 dazzling minerals and gems of all types, sizes, and colors from around the world.
While it does not compare to big city zoos like Brookfield and San Diego, Pittsburgh's Zoo is a favorite of locals and returning visitors. The zoo is small and easy to navigate. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to see more than 4000 animals including 20 endangered species.
Admission includes entry to the PPG Aquarium. Be on the lookout for special events including a popular summer/fall Asian Lantern Festival and a winter holiday lights spectacular.
This historic neighborhood was home to many mills and factories during the 19th century. Today, the 1/2 mile "Strip" is known for its' many foodie dining options, ethnic grocery stores, bakeries, coffee shops, and sports stands.
Highlights include La Prima (an Italian espresso company), Progesterone (great loose leaf tea selection), and Bella Notte (a popular Italian restaurant). Also be sure to learn more about the history of Pittsburgh at the Heinz History Center.
Frick Park is the best place to hike within the city limits. The park is home to a number of beautiful trails which are easily accessible from anywhere in the city. A beautiful place to run, walk, or simply enjoy nature. The Clayton Loop trail is a scenic 1 mile loop to start your journey.
The North Shore Riverfront Park is a great place to take in views of the skyline while also getting in a great workout. The path stretches on for over 10 miles so you can ride to your heart's content. Asides from beautiful city views, there are a number of sights to check out along the way including a Fred Rogers Memorial and a Water Steps art sculpture.
This large museum is connected to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, so you receive admission to both for one price. It was the first museum in the country to focus on contemporary art. The collection includes more than 34,000 pieces so there's lots to explore here.
Particularly impressive is the Hall of Architecture featuring more than 140 plaster cast replicas of architectural wonders from Rome, Athens, and the Middle East.
Schenley is a 446 acre wooded park home to various trails. The trails are quiet and wildlife is abundant. It's a great place to escape the city congestion for a bit.
Area amenities include a historic carousel, a popular cafe featuring a beautiful outdoor patio, a conservatory, and a winter ice rink
One of the most famous people who resided in the Pittsburgh area was Andy Warhol, known for his work in the pop art movement.
The Andy Warhol museum is the largest museum dedicated to a single artist. The 7 floor museum takes you a chronological tour of Andy's life where you can explore his various art ventures throughout his lifetime.